Photographer's Note

Harstad lies within the Arctic Circle on Norway's biggest island of Hinnoy, north-east of the Lofoten Islands. It has a very sheltered location with a harbour. Originally the town flourished by fishing herring (end of 19th century) but later became important for shipbuilding, production of equipment for the shipping industry and importing coal from Svalbard. Now the town is a centre for oil exploration. There are excellent farming areas and related industries to the west.

Several TE members have mentioned that they would like to view my pictures of the Aurora Borealis. However, with just one tripod between the two of us, I preferred to just watch while Dave photographed. In the WS there are two examples of his long exposure pictures. An amazing experience.

Wow! Now this is the sort of picture I've been waiting for from you! An interesting note and a beautiful photograph too - but do you know what would make it even better? - a map reference - that would be the cherry on the icing on the cake.

As with so many photographs, it is the light which makes this one so very special - the way the low-angled warm morning light "lifts" those buildings so perfectly and beautifully from their darker background and the darker sky above.

P.S. And now to Dave's pictures of the Aurora - they are fantastic. I've twice seen the Northern Lights in Lanarkshire - quite by chance but both times on a clear and frosty winter's night and, of course, never when I've had a camera to hand. And both occasions were about fifteen or twenty years ago. I still keep looking at the "Aurorawatch" website to see if the Kp index has risen - and it did about three weeks ago - and I missed it - but people were seeing the Lights in Wales and Norfolk as well as in many parts of Scotland.

Anyway, please congratulate Dave on his pictures - they really do show the glorious colours and effects perfectly. And very well done him in managing to get such sharp and steady pictures from the deck of a ship!

Hi Ann,
A very attractive picture and a very beautiful town. This looks indeed quite typical Norwegian, with those houses in a lot of different colours clinging to the slope above the sea. The complementary pictures are also very good and interesting. I have not seen "norrsken" since I was a boy and lived further north in Sweden. Definitely something you will remember.
Kind regards
Gunnar

Hi Ann, great view of this beautiful place north, very well captured with a great pov in this excellent and beautiful photography. An interesting image of a nice place, very good sharpness, light and color. A great job well done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Hello Ann,
A very beautiful light on this town and especially on the foreground.
Very picturesque sight with these houses built behind each other on the steep mountain slope. Beautiful alternation of the facades (some in a red colour), the snowy parts in between and the dark trees.
Beautiful light reflections in the water.
Best regards, Paul

Hello Ann,
What a cracking shot ! It really epitomizes Norway for me. I like the way the houses are stacked up the hillside, with a lovely variety of colour. It gives the town a bit of character and a typical Norwegian look. Nicely seen on your part, and taken from a very good POV. The photo is crisp and clear with great depth of field and lighting control. A beautiful picture which captures the mood and location superbly.
Kind regards,
Christian

Good morning dear friend
this kind postcard is one of my favorite
I have many of them showing Aegean islands
and here is yours with Harstad which lies
within the Actic Circle
excellent framing area with worthseeing
view interesting and useful notes
great job welldone from you
greetings
have a nice weekend
Costantino

Hello Ann,
A fine expansive view on this attractive town rising up from the water. The light is really most attractive and brings out the colours and detail to great effect. The yellow building in the right foreground is particularly eye catching.

Hi Ann
this is a beauty of a shot. So much to look at and all so wonderfully clear and sharp. Love the way the houses look like they are stacked on top of one another all so intimately and characterful. Love it!

Hello Ann,
my congratulations on this beautiful picture! The cityscape is amazing and quite different from what we normally see. I like how most of the houses are white but there are some colorful patches which break up the monotony adding so much interest to the whole view. Excellent clarity and sharpness and masterly managed light. Everything nicely composed and framed.
Well done!
Best regards
Kamila

I am amazed by the density of building in this northern hinterland. I imagine in March is still quite cold there. I too would have been interested in seeing images of the Aurora Borealis. You should post some of Dave's as a product of joint effort. Have a restful Sunday.

I hope you enjoyed your stay in Norway. A crisp and clear view of the city of Harstad, very well taken from the seaside. Especially the red and yellow buildings stands out and provides a nice colour contrast to this fine winter scene. I have some memories from this city myself, around 30 years ago. Fine shots of the Aurora Borealis in the WS. Lovely shot:) Thanks.

The yellow and red facades and wharf at right along the esplanade add a superb warm cold color contrast against the blue sea and sky. Good sharpness and amazing repetition of the tightly clustered wooden houses jostling for space across the hillside. Still some snow about so I am guessing summers are very short. Have a nice Sunday!

Hello Ann,
A great vantage point overlooking the town that showcases the details of its Nordic architecture. The scene is nice and bright, yet still one gets a sense of the cool spring air with the fine dusting of snow that covers the roofs and hills.
Have a great Sunday,
Caleb

I never visited Harstad during my last trip even though I landed in Harstad/Evenes Airport. I took a turnoff towards Lofoten before reaching the town centre. It looks very beautiful in your photo with all the colourful small houses with snow-covered roofs. Blue sky and water provide a pleasant frame.
I love the colours in Dave's shots. Made me so jealous! :)
Bet wishes
Kasia

Good evening Ann,
Marvelous view over the northern town, built as a modern labyrinth on the slope.
Favorable light enhanced details on the waterfront buildings.
The WS with the northen-light, most intriguing task for any photographer, and a fantastic nature's phenomenon. Well collected night shot. My cong.'s for both fine photos.
Best regards,
Ike